POBOP pincer complexes of nickel(II): Synthesis and B[sbnd]H activation of the carborane ligand upon oxidation with iodine

Abstract

The (POBOP)NiCl pincer complex (POBOP = 1,7-OP(i-Pr)2-m-carboranyl) was synthesized by the selective BH activation of the chelating carboranyl ligand and structurally and spectroscopically characterized. The reaction of (POBOP)NiCl and 1 equiv. of I2 at room temperature led to the selective iodination of the vicinal BH bond in the complex. The reaction of (POBOP)NiCl and 7 equiv. of I2 at room temperature led to further iodination of the ligand and dissociation of the metal from the complex.